Opportunities to Get Involved

Welcome Housing Host (volunteer position with stipend)

The goal of Welcome Housing is to provide transitional housing for refugees newly arrived to Boise until permanent housing can be secured by the resettlement agency. The hope is to create a ‘soft landing’ for Boise’s newest residents by offering a peaceful and welcoming experience. Hosting is essential to this experience and intended primarily to offer supportive connection and orientation. The host will live in a location adjacent to the Welcome Housing unit or nearby (hosts will not share a space with residents). Logistics and services for resettlement are provided primarily through the agencies and collaborating LEAP team members. The host role is focused on creating a comfortable environment, addressing needs, and overall hospitality. We believe that even this brief interaction can make an impact in the greater lives of refugees resettling in Boise. Read more about this position: Welcome Housing Host Description.

Welcome Housing Host Assistant (Volunteer)

Hosts will be the primary contact for residents of Welcome Housing, but we realize there will be needs to delegate (help with transportation and orientation to various new experiences). There will be opportunities to collaborate in hosting meals as well. Host assistants will be partnered for the duration of time a family/individuals reside in the unit for the sake of consistency. Apply to volunteer here.

Property Owner

Do you have a rental unit within 5 miles of the International Rescue Committee (7188 Potomac Dr. Boise 83704), near a bus route, and a grocery store? If you would like to lease a unit for Welcome Housing (we can pay the market rate), please contact us!

Property Construction/Repair/Maintenance (Volunteer)

Do you have awesome construction/handyman skills? Sign up to be on the list of people available for maintenance of Welcome Housing units! We may also be assisting families in the renovation of units to be used for Welcome Housing… Projects pending!

Unit Turnover Team (Volunteer)

We anticipate turnover approximately every 3 weeks (about 16 times in the year), and a team can volunteer for this once or regularly. This is a relatively small commitment, but hugely supportive for the service of Welcome Housing. Apply to volunteer here.

Donate items to furnish a unit

Our third Welcome House is set to open at the end on September. There are still a number of items needed to bring this home together and show a hospitable welcome:

Compact 3 seater couch (preferably neutral colors)

Small-medium sized refrigerator

Microwave

Electric kettle

Nightstands/side tables for bedrooms (3)

Bunkbed (2 sets – frames only)

Small wardrobe (2)

Chest of drawers

Clock

Pillows

Clothes hangers

Broom and dust pan

If you have any of these items, please contact Erika at erika@leapcharities.org or 253-226-4385. If you would like to be notified personally when new items are needed, please sign up here.